D Minor 6th
Hear the D Minor 6th chord played for you.
Dm6
D – F – A – B
Formula:R-m3-P5-M6
Intervals:P1-m3-P5-M6
Scale Degrees:1-b3-5-6
Introduction
The D Minor 6th chord is a four-note chord made up of D, F, A, and B. It is built from a root, minor third, perfect fifth, and major sixth.
The D Minor 6th piano chord (Dm6) consists of the notes D, F, A, B. It is a minor triad with an added major 6th, giving it a melancholic, bittersweet character. Formula: R-m3-P5-M6 | Scale degrees: 1-b3-5-6.
Notes
D Minor 6th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | D – F – A – B |
| 1st Inversion | F – A – B – D |
| 2nd Inversion | A – B – D – F |
| 3rd Inversion | D – F – A – B |
Key Signature
The key of D Minor 6th has 1 flat.
B♭
Order of flats
Flats are added in a fixed order — the reverse of the sharp order. Each new flat key adds the next flat on the list.
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭F♭
Mnemonic: Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles’ Father
Chords in the Key of D Minor
These are the diatonic triads built on each degree of the D minor scale:
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
i — D Minor (minor)
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-m3-P5-M6
Intervals: P1-m3-P5-M6
The D Minor 6th is built by stacking intervals from the root note. The formula R-m3-P5-M6 describes the scale degrees used. The intervals P1-m3-P5-M6 show the distance between each note in the chord.
D Minor 6th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the D Minor 6th chord?
Dm6 contains: D, F, A, B. Minor triad with major sixth. Nearly all white keys.
How does Dm6 differ from Dm7?
Dm6 has B (major sixth). Dm7 has C (minor seventh).
How is Dm6 used?
Descending line: Dm → DmMaj7 → Dm7 → Dm6. Jazz tonic. Enharmonic of Bm7b5.
Is Dm6 the same as Bm7b5?
Same four notes, different root.
What songs use Minor 6th?
My Funny Valentine, Stairway to Heaven.
How does Dm6 differ from D6?
Dm6 has minor third (F).
Practice Tips
- Descending line: Dm → DmMaj7 → Dm7 → Dm6.
- Dm6 and Bm7b5 are the same notes.
- Nearly all white keys — easy to play.
- Bittersweet quality.
- Jazz Dorian tonic.
- Compare with Dm7.
Related Tools
Chord FinderLook up any chord — see the notes, hear it, and play along.Chord DrillTimed drills to build speed and recognition across all chord types.Practice RoomPlug in a MIDI keyboard and get real-time feedback on every chord and scale.Circle of FifthsVisualize key relationships, relative minors, and key signatures.MIDI MonitorLive MIDI message stream with note names, velocity, and a scrolling staff.